And indeed, Saleh has already lost portions of his military, which joined the student protesters around Sanaa university. The loss of tribal support has also meant a number of provinces both north and south are operating as de facto independent entities.

The real question, however, is if the tribes will actually unite against Saleh’s rule. Though the Yemeni military depends largely on foreign funding for support, it is the tribes which are the traditional power blocs in the nation. If they decide to move, it is unfathomable that Saleh can retain his office in any real way.